So, here is build #2. Just finished last night. My first build was in 2005, and documented here (see link below), back when the AR 'craze' was just on the cusp. Did it all based on what I learned from Calguns..

Decided on this build to do some different things and try some different parts. For example, free float rail on this build and used longer rifle forend handguards. Decided to give the Stark SE-1 grip a shot. A Badger tactical latch this time around. Different stock, totally different upper on this build with fluted barrel, different BUIS's, different model flash suppressor, an EBR, a different twist barrel on this one of 1/7, and a scope this time around. Stuck with the RRA 2 stage trigger and RRA lower parts kit though. And, used crayons on the Fire/Semi etchings.

I wanted to build something that is still short and tactical, but that maybe I could do a bit more precision longer range shooting with - hence the 1/7 twist and scope. So, I hope to get experience with a bit of a different setup and some totally different parts this time around.

That YHM upper is beautiful. That fluted barrel and the diamond handguard are just pieces of art to look at from a visual perspective. To bad the upper and lowers do not match finish, but not a big concern to me.

*Until I learn a bit more about scopes and what I want and how to use them, I got a totally budget scope from a buddy on an even trade... so no money put out and I hope to learn more about what I want (and do not want) using a budget scope.

Very nice! out of curiosity, what is your $ cost for the complete assy?

I can tell you, as you see it right there right now in those 2 photos, I spent under 1500 total for everything. And this is a 'custom' build so not just stock stuff per see. That includes ALL parts, any shipping, any taxes, DROS and fees, etc. I bought 100% via the web and via several vendors here on Calguns: Ken_btc, Rifle Gear, Metal Dog, gusslers, GS Arms, etc. I scored some great deals on some of the stuff, like the CTR at a steal off a seller on ar15.com

why.. I race of course the AR bug is just something I picked up on the side to do while not training/racing. It feeds into my compulsions.

oh, and I work on a computer all day long to actually pay the bills if that is what you mean.. there is no money in my sport. If you want money from sports, you need to be in baseball, basketball, football, golf, etc.. a select small few make money in the Tri/Du world.

The upper.. From Rifle Gear was like $874 + dreadful CA tax IIRC. They are nearly impossible to find. I talked with YHM and they told me they are still filling back orders for them from last year and that I could order one from them - if I was willing to wait until Oct or Nov! They said that if I found one, I would be dumb to not buy it. I looked for over a month daily, I tried every YHM dealer on the web. No stone unturned. I found 1 at Gunbroker and got beat by $5 and it sold for over retail. So, when Rifle Gear told me he just got it in, I was shocked and jumped on it that very moment. I hated paying CA tax, and it was the only item I paid tax on, but it seemed like there was no option and I had known I wanted to do a this YHM upper, period.

The upper.. From Rifle Gear was like $874 + dreadful CA tax IIRC. They are nearly impossible to find. I talked with YHM and they told me they are still filling back orders for them from last year and that I could order one from them - if I was willing to wait until Oct or Nov! They said that if I found one, I would be dumb to not buy it. I looked for over a month daily, I tried every YHM dealer on the web. No stone unturned. I found 1 at Gunbroker and got beat by $5 and it sold for over retail. So, when Rifle Gear told me he just got it in, I was shocked and jumped on it that very moment. I hated paying CA tax, and it was the only item I paid tax on, but it seemed like there was no option and I had known I wanted to do a this YHM upper, period.

Interesting pistol grip. I've never seen that on anyone's build before.

Starks brand new SE-1 in 2009. Hard to beat a winter sized trigger guard and grip in 1 piece at less cost then both. I love the nifty design, styling. My only big concern, we will see, is the slick grip smoothness. They stand by their design and believe those small rings of stippling are enough - I have had emails with them. I disagree at this moment, but I use an Ergo and Hogue on my other guns, so you can see I like rubbery texture. But, I wanted to try something new.

Shot it while in Colorado last month. Setup 100 yards outside on National Forest property up off the Peak to Peak highway. Only had a few small glitches - Freelock button feel out & some cycling issues likely due to the modified pmags.

I was going to drop a "Holy necropost, batman!" comment until I realized it was an update from the OP.

Try different ammo and different magazines to try and resolve your cycling issues, and put a few hundred rounds through her. My AR was pretty picky the first couple trips out to the range, but is quite reliable now that it's broken-in.

__________________
Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it. -Andre Gide

I put -+250 rounds down range in Colorado. I suspect it is the mags - it was covered in a different thread and that seems to be likely culprit. I now have them marked, and will keep track if/which ones cause issues and see if I can catch a pattern that way.

as for old posts.. heck, I reserve the right to revive any thread at any time of any age.. they are all still relevant in this case, people like to see photos, so added some new ones, and updated description of parts used.